A Wheatie and a Hawk Named WHL Players of the Month

Calgary – The Western Hockey League today announced the Players of the Monthfor December in both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

In the Eastern Conference, which includes the East and Central Divisions,the Player of the Month is forward Jordin Tootoo of the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The 18 year-old from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut recorded ten goals and 18 pointsin ten games during the Month of December including three power-play goalsand two game-winning goals. He helped lead his team to an impressive 8wins, one loss and a tie for the month.

Tootoo was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

WESTERN CONFERNCE

In the Western Conference, which includes the B.C. and U.S. Divisions, thePlayer of the Month is forward Joe Balej of the Portland Winter Hawks.

Balej, a 19-year-old from Myjava, Slovakia recorded 14 goals and 23 pointsin 14 games during the Month of December, including ten power-play goals, ashort-handed goal and one game-winning goal. Balej was drafted by theMontreal Canadiens in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Joe Balej is also a deserving choice as the Western Conference Player of theMonth for December.